Guest column: Legislators' intervention erodes public trust in LPSS

Every day is a new day when it comes to the Lafayette Parish School System. As if there weren't enough problems at the central office, some members of the legislative delegation decided to enter the fray when they unnecessarily weighed in with their opinions about the school board's hiring of a special counsel.

Some time ago, the majority of the school board voted to hire a law firm from Gretna as special counsel. Some board members were advised that, that would require the approval of the Attorney General's office. Apparently, that request was pending.

Not satisfied with allowing the Attorney General's office to render an opinion or awaiting dialogue between the elected school board members and the AG's office, four legislators took it upon themselves to determine that " Dr. Cooper acted in accordance with Act 1 of the 2012 ." Additionally, they determined that the resolution of the school board " did not specify any real necessity as required by law, did not specify compensation for the special counsel, and finally that the attorneys currently representing the school board " are capable of handling any and all legal matters".

How Joel Robideaux, on whose stationary the letter to the Attorney General was written, would presume to know the legal needs of the Lafayette Parish School system is an interesting question. Why he and several other legislators would think it is their responsibility to interfere in the business of the Lafayette Parish School board is more than puzzling, especially when their hands are full with educational problems at the state level.

The controversy between the superintendent and some members of the school board will not be mitigated by the intrusion of state legislators who were apparently asked by someone to become involved. Their involvement only served to add more voices to the cacophony that surrounds the school system.

Perhaps the law firm from Gretna could have examined the issues of concern to board members and worked to resolve some of the matters that seem to detrimentally impact the communication between the superintendent and some members of the board. It is clear that some third party is needed to resolve the differences that exist.

The continued controversy within the LPSS erodes public trust in the leadership of the school system. Having state legislators intervene in the business of the Lafayette Parish School Board does nothing to improve that level of trust. It simply makes matters worse.

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Guest column: Legislators' intervention erodes public trust in LPSS

Every day is a new day when it comes to the Lafayette Parish School System.